Far-right AfD could win first state premiership in Saxony-Anhalt election
UKPulse News Desk
Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party could appoint a state premier and govern a state alone for the first time following the Saxony-Anhalt state election on 6 September.
- The AfD is polling at up to 42% in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially securing an absolute majority.
- The party's local branch is classified as "confirmed rightwing extremist" by Germany’s domestic intelligence service.
- A victory could give the AfD seats in the Bundesrat upper house and weaken European unity.
Saxony-Anhalt is set to hold a significant state election on 6 September, where the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party could achieve an absolute majority and appoint a state premier.
The AfD's local branch in Saxony-Anhalt is officially classified as "confirmed rightwing extremist" by Germany’s domestic intelligence service. The party is currently polling at up to 42% in the state.
A victory in Saxony-Anhalt could have consequences for Germany and Europe, potentially ending a post-war consensus that has kept the far-right from power. It could also give the AfD seats in the Bundesrat upper house and weaken European unity.
Proposed state-level measures by the AfD include revising the school history curriculum, defunding anti-racism initiatives, and rewriting the mandates of public TV and radio.
Why this matters: An AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt could have immediate domestic impacts on education, policing, and public broadcasting, and could also weaken European unity and decision-making in key areas such as environment policy and relations with Ukraine.